Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada Sign

The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada Sign is a famous landmark located on an island between north and southbound traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard. Visitors often stop there to take photos, and there is a free and convenient parking area for this purpose. The sign has been around for decades and still serves as a welcoming symbol for travelers arriving in Las Vegas. At night, the illuminated sign looks different and makes for some glamorous photos. So, if you want to impress your Instagram followers, dress in Vegas style and snap a picture! Don’t be surprised if Elvis makes an appearance in your shot.

Created in 1959 by Betty Willis and Ted Rogich, the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” sign awaits you at the South end of the Strip.

Where is the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada Sign Located?

Open 24 hours a day, the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada Sign is located on the median of Las Vegas Boulevard, south of the Harley-Davidson Las Vegas dealership and across from the Bali Hai Golf Club. If you are driving from California, you can access the parking lot on the westbound side of Las Vegas Boulevard, but you must make a U-turn.

Address: 5200 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Parking: It is free to park in the official lot at the sign. However, there are only 12 spaces available, so you may need to wait for one to become vacant. Another option is to use a ride-share service or a taxi to reach the sign.

Hours: Open 24/7

How to Have a Fabulous Time at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

The sign is one of the most iconic landmarks in Las Vegas, and you can visit it for free anytime you want. Here are some tips to make your experience more enjoyable and memorable.

Snap your photos freely, but be courteous of others.
There is no official photographer or charge for pictures; anyone claiming otherwise is not truthful.
There’s a good chance of meeting colorful characters near the sign—showgirls, Elvis lookalikes, or superheroes. They’ll pose for a photo, expecting a tip; payment is your choice.
The sign can be busy and hot during the day, so be courteous and respectful to other tourists. Night visits are cooler and offer a stunning view against the dark sky.
If driving, park carefully due to the hectic and dangerous traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard. Follow signs and signals, and be cautious of pedestrians and cyclists.
Use the pedestrian bridge over Las Vegas Boulevard for walking and biking to the sign. It is safer and more convenient than crossing the busy street. Note that there is no pedestrian bridge at the sign itself.
Curious about the sign’s history? Scan the QR code on its base with your smartphone for audio narration and historical facts.
Love signs? Visit the Neon Museum or drive along Fremont Street to see vintage signs still in use.
Have fun and share your photos on social media with #WelcomeToFabulousLasVegas!

The History of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada Sign

If you’ve ever visited Las Vegas, chances are you’ve seen the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. It’s one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in the city and a must-see for any tourist. But have you ever wondered about the story behind it? Who created it, when was it constructed, and why is it so fabulous? Let’s find out!

The Birth of a Legend

Betty Willis was one of the first female commercial artists to work on neon signs in Las Vegas. After graduating from art school, she created ads for local casinos. In 1959, Ted Rogich, a local businessman, approached her to design a flashy sign to promote the city. Willis wanted to make a friendly and welcoming sign, in contrast to some of the other signs that were more aggressive and competitive. She chose a horizontally stretched diamond shape with rounded corners and used a 1950s-style cursive font for the words “to Fabulous.” She also added a red star at the top, which some say represents her own signature.

The sign that displays the word “Welcome” is placed on top of seven silver dollars, paying homage to Nevada’s nickname as the “Silver State.” Thanks to its double-sided construction, it is designed to greet visitors from both directions. Willis sold the sign to Clark County for $4,000 without claiming ownership. She intended it as a gift to her hometown, not a means of making money. As a result, the sign has become an iconic symbol that appears on a wide range of souvenirs, such as t-shirts and keychains.

The Sign of the Times

The sign was erected in May 1959 by Western Neon, a company that also made signs for Moulin Rouge Hotel and Stardust Resort and Casino. It was placed on the median of Las Vegas Boulevard South, about 4 miles south of the city limits of Las Vegas. At that time, few buildings or attractions were nearby, so the sign stood out as a beacon of fun and excitement.

Over the years, the sign has witnessed many changes in Las Vegas. It has seen the rise and fall of many casinos, hotels, and shows. It has also seen the evolution of technology and culture. In 2008, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a significant piece of American history. In 2014, Clark County installed solar panels to power the sign’s lights, making it more eco-friendly.

The sign has also become a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Every year, it attracts millions of visitors who want to take photos with it or admire its beauty. It has also been featured in many movies, TV shows, and music videos. Celebrities have even used it as a backdrop for their weddings or proposals.

The Sign of Love

A charming aspect of the sign is that it has a message on both sides. On the north side, it says, “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas,” while on the south side, it says, “Drive Carefully. Come Back Soon.” This shows that the sign welcomes visitors to Las Vegas and wishes them well on their way home.

The sign also has a heart-shaped cutout on both sides, where people can insert their own messages or decorations. Some people use this space to express their love for someone special or to celebrate a special occasion. For example, in 2013, singer Katy Perry used this space to promote her album Prism by placing a giant prism-shaped sticker over it.

The sign is also surrounded by love in another way: 61 light poles around it are decorated with pink hearts and ribbons. These are part of a project called Shoes for Vegas, which artist Steven Liguori started after the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas. He collected thousands of shoes from people who wanted to show their support for the victims and survivors of the tragedy. He then painted them with bright colors and messages of hope and love and hung them on the light poles around the sign.

The Sign of More

If you’re a fan of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, you’re in luck! There are three other “Welcome to Las Vegas” signs in different areas of the city. While not exact replicas, they share a similar design.

The first is on Boulder Highway, north of Tropicana Avenue, built in 2007 to welcome Arizona visitors. Smaller than the original, it mimics the shape and colors of a miniature Las Vegas skyline.
The second, located on Las Vegas Boulevard and 4th Street downtown, was identical to the original with a blue background. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire in 2016 and hasn’t been replaced.
The third sign, near the Strat Hotel and Casino on Las Vegas Boulevard North, was built in 2018 by Clark County. Larger and more modern, it features a digital screen displaying various messages and images.

While less famous, these signs offer a unique glimpse of Las Vegas and make for great photo opportunities.

The Sign of Fun

In conclusion, the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” sign is a historic symbol representing the adventures and excitement that can be found in Las Vegas. It embodies the city’s entertainment, gambling, nightlife, shopping, and dining, as well as its culture and history throughout its evolution.

When you’re in Las Vegas, take a moment to appreciate the history of the sign and snap a great selfie. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or a Vegas first-timer, the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign symbolizes joy, optimism, and fun. Seeing it is an experience like no other. Take advantage of the chance to witness the fabulousness of Las Vegas for yourself. And remember to greet Betty Willis’ masterpiece on your way in!